How old is my boiler?

George_25

My house was built about 1912. I am trying to find out the age of my steam boiler. The asbestos was just removed and the person took away the main door, and the manufacturer's name began with a W if I remember correctly. It is an old cast iron boiler with sections...formerly coal converted to oil...about 7' high.
Also, can you recommend any installers in my area....03458?
Thanks

Brad White_9

My guess would be....

about 94 years old, as old as the house, if not, maybe 60 years or so.

I say this given that it was encased in asbestos, used as lagging since before the Civil War....although essentially outlawed in the period 1968-72, it was not used as boiler lagging much after WWII. At that point, I would think, your boiler would have been 35 years old, would they have replaced it and re-lagged it with asbestos? Maybe.

What does the Find a Professional tab turn up for you?

Your zip code would put you in Grover's Corner, NH if I am not mistaken. My family hails for years from Marlborough, NH, so I cannot say you live in Our Town.

Cheers!

Brad

George_25

How old is my boiler?

Brad,
I live in Peterborough, which is next to Matlborough.
Do you know of any reference books which would help me pinpoint the boiler manufacturer and age.
Thanks

Brad White_135

Age of Boiler

Yes, I know Peterborough- my reference was to Thornton Wilder's "Our Town"- sorry to be so obscure!

No particular reference books but I would stand by my assessment given that many boilers built in 1912 might still be around today despite abuse or if changed out, when the last days of asbestos lagging came to pass. You seem curious...

The "W" might be Weil-McLain, that is all I can offer. HB Smith (I know, no "W") is one whose history is much older than your house. I think W-M is in a similar league.